On this solemn 81st anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, I extend my deepest sympathies, solidarity, and heartfelt condolences to the survivors, the families of the victims, and the people of Japan.
As the former Mayor of Halabja—a city that bears the deep and unhealed scars of chemical warfare—I share a profound and unique bond of sorrow with the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The innocent lives lost and the enduring suffering of the survivors (Hibakusha) mirror the painful history of our own people. Both of our cities stand as eternal, tragic reminders of the catastrophic human cost of weapons of mass destruction.
Our shared history of tragedy bestows upon us a shared moral responsibility. We must ensure that the memories of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Halabja do not fade into history, but instead serve as a powerful warning for future generations.
Today, we reaffirm our unshakeable commitment to global peace and human dignity. We urge the international community, global leaders, and human rights organizations to unite in banning all weapons of mass destruction—whether nuclear, chemical, or biological. No city, no community, and no innocent person should ever have to endure the agony that Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Halabja experienced.
May the memory of all victims remain an enduring light guiding humanity toward a peaceful world where such atrocities are never repeated anywhere on Earth.
Sincerely,
Khder kareem
Former Mayor of Halabja